Trending Now: Robert Carlyle snapped with Line of Duty castmates as series 7 gets underway – Fans React

Many fans of the crime show are excited to see the Scots legend tackle his new gruff role.

Scots actor Robert Carlyle has been snapped with his new Line of Duty castmates as preparations for the highly anticipated seventh season are now underway. The Scot is widely known for his roles in Trainspotting and The Full Monty, and many fans are excited to see what his return to TV will entail.

Also returning for the new series of the Jed Mercurio thriller are Martin Compston, Vicky McClure and Adrian Dunbar, all of whom were pictured with Carlyle as they completed a full read-through of the nail biting BBC show. It has been confirmed that the new series is set to start filming in Belfast in spring 2026.

The 64-year-old is set to star as a guest lead in the latest installment, as he brings to life the role of Detective Constable Shaun Massie. Described as a “gruff loner” who usually keeps to himself, his character is a Specialist Rifle Officer (SRO) and veteran marksman working with the Tactical Operations Unit 7 (TO-7).

With his team tasked with taking down Organised Crime Groups, his closed off demeanour is said to drastically change when his commanding officer Detective Inspector Dominic Gough is accused of abusing his position of trust to act as a sexual predator.

With the picture of the cast also being shared on the BBC’s social media pages, many fans have shared their excitement for the new series. One person wrote: “Yay, new project with Robert Carlyle! Can’t wait. Watched a lot of movies and shows just because you were in them and ALL of your performances were so perfect!”

While another fan gushed: “This cast is absolute perfection. MY FAVORITE BRITISH CRIME DRAMA OF ALL-TIME!! Period. Nothing can hold a candle to this series. And I’ve watched a lot of British series. ROBERT CARLYLE!! Absolute genius to cast him!!

“Everything he has done is terrific and he makes it look so easy. I do hope we’ll get to see this in the U.S. Would love to be in the room just to watch and listen to a read through!!!!”

Now five years on from the series six finale of Line of Duty in 2021, which saw 17million viewers, this new installment is said to see the AC-12 disbanded and rebranded as the Inspectorate of Police Standards.

With anti corruption work becoming exceedingly difficult, fans of the thriller will see Steve Arnott (Martin Compston), Kate Fleming (Vicky McClure) and Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) assigned to their most sensitive case so far.

Carlyle recently opened up about joining the cast for the BBC show, saying: “Having been a huge admirer of Jed Mercurio’s work for many years, I’m delighted to be given the opportunity to join such an exceptional cast for series 7 of Line of Duty.

“The scripts for the series are excellent and will absolutely maintain the quality that the audience have come to expect from this fantastic show. DC Massie is an extraordinary character and I look forward to bringing him to life.”

Line of Duty’s creator Jed Mercurio has also shared his joy over Carlyle joining the series. He said: “On Line of Duty we’ve been honoured by the glittering guest leads who’ve joined the cast over the years.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled that Robert Carlyle will star in series 7 as Specialist Rifle Officer Shaun Massie. I’ve been a huge fan of Robert’s work for many years and it will be a career highlight to work with him.

“Robert always brings mesmerising power and depth to every role; I know viewers will be on the edge of their seats wondering what his character will do next, and why.”

With production set to begin in spring this year, hopefully it won’t be too long before Brits are once again glued to their seats as the gripping drama unfolds.